January 29, 2026

In this issue: 

• Help shape AMA Government Affairs programming
• Optimized Prescribing with Seniors: Managing Insomnia
• Help drive the evolution of medicine as AMA’s 2027/28 President
• AMA Health Benefits Trust Fund: enroll now
• MyHealth Records changes to parent/guardian access
• Alberta Netcare January newsletter
• CMA Health and Media Training Survey
• Attend WCB-Alberta's 11th annual conference for community clinicians 
• Primary Care Alberta updates
  • Measles history in Connect Care
  • Gynecology pathway updated
  • Gender-affirming care resource from CPSA
  • Helping parents understand the importance of newborn blood spot screening
  • Eating disorders resources
  • Lab bulletins:
    • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) test updated
    • Removal of Enter/Edit function for POCT manual glucose & POCT Transcutaneous Bilirubin test result entry
    • Glomerular filtration rate calculation update
• MD Financial
  • Making the case for quality investing
• Community Connections
  • Research participation opportunity for Immigrant International Medical Graduates (I-IMGs)
  • Volunteer as a judge for the Canada Wide Science Fair in Edmonton

Help shape AMA Government Affairs programming

The AMA is launching the Government Affairs Advisory Committee (GAAC ) — a new strategic forum designed to strengthen the Association’s advocacy on behalf of Alberta physicians and their patients.

Applications are now open through February 28. 
 

The GAAC will provide a confidential, nonpartisan space for politically engaged physicians to identify emerging issues, assess the policy landscape and offer timely strategic advice to the AMA Board of Directors. 
 

GAAC members will contribute to key elements of AMA government relations, including: 

• Guiding the standing up of the AMA’s new MD+MLA Program (member login required) by supporting recruitment of physicians across Alberta constituencies
• Refining political messaging and advising on advocacy positioning. 
• Environmental scanning and early identification of political and policy developments.
• Engagement across parties, including informal dialogue and attendance at GAAC guest dinners or political events or on the AMA’s behalf 

To ensure broad and credible insight, balanced representation from across Alberta’s political spectrum is essential. Applicants must be AMA member physicians with demonstrated political involvement, experience or interest. 

Optimized Prescribing with Seniors:

Managing Insomnia

Case

Mrs. Janson, age 96, is recently widowed and presents with a two-week history of poor sleep. Her medical history includes hypertension, dyslipidemia and GERD, and she takes ramipril, rosuvastatin and pantoprazole. What’s the best approach to assess and manage insomnia in older adults with multiple comorbidities?

Issue

Insomnia is common in seniors and often intertwined with medical, psychiatric and neurological conditions. Sleep changes with age — becoming lighter and shorter — while frequent disruptions can impact recovery, chronic disease management and daily functioning. Identifying underlying causes and tailoring management is key.

This Optimized Prescribing with Seniors article outlines:

• A structured approach to sleep history and assessment.
• The interplay between insomnia and comorbidities.
• Evidence-based management, including sleep hygiene, behavioral therapies and medication options.
• Special considerations for hypnotic medications and newer agents like dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs).

Optimized Prescribing with Seniors is a joint communication of the Alberta Medical Association and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta. Articles are written by physicians for physicians prescribing in the care of older patients.

Help drive the evolution of medicine as 

AMA's 2027/28 President!

President-elect applications are open.
 

The search has begun for the AMA 2026 President-elect who will serve as the 2027/28 AMA President. Eligible AMA members are encouraged to submit their expression of interest by February 23.
 

The AMA President plays an essential role in shaping the future of health care by influencing provincial health care decision-making and elevating the standards of medical practice. Bring meaningful change to health care in Alberta through leadership, advocacy, education and innovation.

AMA Health Benefits Trust Fund

The annual enrollment period for AMA's health benefits trust fund is open until March 1, 2026. No health questions or medical tests are required to enroll and no pre-existing condition exclusions apply. Coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your application.
 

Read the full article here

MyHealth Records changes to

parent/guardian access

On February 2, 2026 the Alberta Government is improving the ability for parents and guardians to access their child’s (minors under 18) health records online through MyHealth Records.
 

This initiative is part of the Alberta Government’s broader commitment to improving access to health information electronically.
 

Parents/guardians of children 16 years or younger will have the option to request access online through their MyHealth Records account. If the child is 16-18 years, a Connect Care health care provider with a care relationship with the child can grant access.
 

If approved, access will be provided to both MyChart and My Personal Records. If access is subsequently revoked in either MyChart or My Personal Records, it will be revoked in both tools.
 

Community providers who are aware of a care situation supporting the need for parent/guardian access to be revoked can make a request to the Disclosure Help Line by phone at 1-855-312-2265 or by email to disclosure@healthsharedservices.ca
 

To support Albertans, more information is available on MyHealth.Alberta.ca, or they can contact 1-844-401-4016 or email myhealthrecords@gov.ab.ca for support.

Alberta Netcare January newsletter

This feature edition aligns with Global Privacy Week at the end of January and focuses on Alberta Netcare privacy and security, including:

• Real-Time Integration (RTI) requirements for pharmacies and how to complete the required privacy steps, along with important RTI updates for 2026.
• Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) and guidance on whether your facility requires an update
• Netcare policies and where to quickly access this information

Attend WCB-Alberta's 11th annual conference for community clinicians

March 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Free (Pre-registration is required) 
 

This year, our expert lineup of speakers will cover navigating collaborative management of a WCB patient, working with trauma exposed professionals, along with back examinations and imaging findings and more. 
 

Questions? Contact physician.education@wcb.ab.ca  

CMA Health & Media Training Survey

Since 2024, the CMA Health & Media Tracking Survey sheds light on the prevalence of false health information in Canada, how it impacts people living in Canada and what potential strategies could mitigate the problem.

Join health policy experts in Ottawa or online on February 10, 2026 for the release of these survey results and learn more about the impact of misinformation in health care and solutions to protect the health of Canadians.

Primary Care Alberta updates

The following PCA updates have been provided for your information: 

• Measles history in Connect Care
• Gynecology pathway updated
• Gender-affirming care resource from CPSA
• Helping parents understand the importance of newborn blood spot screening
• Eating disorders resources
• Lab bulletins:
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) test updated
  • Removal of Enter/Edit function for POCT manual glucose & POCT Transcutaneous Bilirubin test result entry
  • Glomerular filtration rate calculation update

Making the case for quality investing

Sponsored article

Discover why quality investing matters in today’s volatile markets. Learn how focusing on strong fundamentals can help physicians build resilient portfolios and achieve long-term financial security. 

Community Connections

Research participation opportunity for Immigrant International Medical Graduates (I-IMGs)

The University of Calgary is inviting Immigrant International Medical Graduates (I-IMGs) who have completed Canadian residency training to participate in a qualitative research study entitled “Exploring the cross-cultural effects of transitioning to practice for International Medical Graduates in Canada.”
 

Funded by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, this research focuses on better understanding I-IMGs’ experiences transitioning from residency to independent practice. The study includes physicians who completed residency between 2020–2025. Participation involves a one-time, 60-minute interview via Zoom. Those completing the interview will receive a $50 gift card as an honorarium.
 

Interested physicians may contact sarah.cook@ucalgary.ca for more information.

Volunteer as a judge for the Canada Wide Science Fair
 

The 2026 Canada Wide Science Fair (CWSF) will be held in Edmonton, May 23-30.
 

Volunteer to judge at this event and support Canada’s next generation of young scientists presenting their exciting research. Student projects cover the full breadth of scientific disciplines with some comparable to Master’s level thesis projects.

Promoting a local charitable health-related event?
 

Recruiting physicians and medical learners for a medical study?
 

Seeking AMA member participation in a survey?
 

The AMA receives many requests to promote local events, research participation opportunities and surveys to our members. We consider all requests based on specific criteria and general relevance/appropriateness.
 

*Please note that, unless explicitly stated, the AMA is not associated with or responsible for items listed in Community Connections.

In case you missed it

Zonal/regional RF delegate election results
 

New PPIP activity opportunities

Upcoming events

Beyond the pizza party: Steps for growing a health team culture

February 2
 

Psychiatric Quarterly Update: Mood 2026

February 6

View all upcoming events on the AMA website

Have an event you'd like to promote?

Review our criteria and submit your event

Recognition Roundup

February 

Heart Health Month
 

Eating Disorders Awareness Week

February 1 to 7
 

World Cancer Day

February 4

Recommend a special date

Last issue's top stories

Primary Care Alberta updates
 

How does a TFSA help me pay less tax?

In the January 29
MD Scope Classifieds
you'll find listings for:
 

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- For sale or lease
- Services

More AMA publications

© 2026 Alberta Medical Association; All rights reserved
 

The opinions expressed in AMA publications are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the Alberta Medical Association, its Board of Directors or members.
 

The Alberta Medical Association does not assume responsibility or liability for damages arising from any error or omission or from the use of any information or advice contained in these materials. Advertisements included in our publications are not necessarily endorsed by the Alberta Medical Association.
 

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